Newington Teacher of the Year - Mr. Jonas Roberts

Posted by Kevin Schaffner Newington Public Schools, Community Contributor

Posted by Kevin Schaffner Newington Public Schools, Community Contributor

Community Contributor Kevin Schaffner Newington Public Schools

At the start of each school year, the district announces the Newington Public Schools Teacher of the Year. This title goes to a Newington teacher who has gone above and beyond the typical role; the title recognizes an educator whose students are inspired by their dedication and whose colleagues turn to for advice and guidance. The district's new Teacher of the Year was announced at the staff Convocation on August 24th, the announcement was received with a standing ovation of his fellow teachers, district staff, and his proud family. Newington Public Schools would like to recognize and congratulate the 2015 - 2016 Teacher of the Year Mr. Jonas Roberts, 3rd Grade Teacher at Anna Reynolds Elementary School.

Mr. Roberts began his teaching career in the Meriden Public School district where he taught 3rd then 4th grade for a total of seven years. He then moved to Newington Public Schools where he has been a teacher at Anna Reynolds for the past 14 years. He completed both his undergraduate degree and graduate work at Central Connecticut State University where he earned a B.S. in Education and a M.S. in Reading. Jonas was "raised in a family of teachers" which included his father, uncles, aunt, and many other family members and family friends who are current or retired teachers. Beyond his family influences, Jonas credits several other teachers that inspired him to become teacher. The greatest impact on his life, as both a teacher and as a person, came from a long-term substitute that he had for 8th grade English, Mrs. Papandrea. He explains "I experienced the power of teaching, and to be inspired by a teacher, [and I knew] that is what I wanted to do. There is no greater reason to become a teacher, or contribution to education, than to inspire young people to fall in love with and be passionate about a specific content area. That is what Mrs. Papandrea did for me, and it is my greatest hope, that this is what I do for my students."

When asked about the importance of teaching Jonas commented, "the greatest thing a teacher can do is to inspire their students. Teachers can kindle a passion for history or math. I have seen this first hand in my own children as they have gone through the Newington Public Schools. We, as teachers, provide students with the skills and mindset to be the change they would like to see in the world." Jonas considers the staff and families of Anna Reynolds Elementary School as his second family because of the meaningful, long-lasting connections he has made there since 2001.

Like many Newington teachers, Mr. Roberts is highly qualified and dedicated to his craft. He serves as a role model to his students and to his colleagues. When asked what he plans to do as Teacher of the Year, Mr. Roberts replied, "I will continue to challenge myself to grow as an educator and person. I always try to live in a way that represents the person I aspire to be, and will continue to do so as I represent my school and community as Teacher of the Year." Jonas's continued dedication to his trade serves as an inspiration to all around him. His love for educating is second to none and is only multiplied by his love for Newington. Congratulations Jonas Roberts for being named Newington Public Schools 2015 - 2016 Teacher of the Year.

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